Meet the Author

The FermentedlyChallenged blog has been retired since the end of October 2016. It has been a great 9 year run. Thanks to all the readers and brewery staff for all your support in the past. I'm living in the Denver metro area and working in the Cable TV industry now. Cheers and enjoy beer responsibly. Follow along on social media - @ChipperDave on Twitter and on Facebook.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Today is Ask a Stupid Question Day. This day is sometimes celebrated on the last school day of September and was created as a way for teachers to get students to ask more questions. Whether questions be silly, not well thought out, or just plain stupid - everyone is encouraged to go out today and ask questions about anything. For adults, we can ask questions too. Why is fizzy yellow beer supposed to be ice cold? Why is craft beer more expensive than regular beer? Whatever question you have, perhaps the answer may inspire you to keep asking questions. Here's what's happening around the Colorado beerosphere today Tuesday, September 30th, 2014. If you aren't reading this article on FermentedlyChallenged.com, you don't know what you're missing.

Dad & Dude's Breweria (Aurora) - Dad & Dude's will be pouring 10 beers both at the GABF and in their brewpub this week. Stop by Booth 131 and check them out. Dude’s Brews, the packaged beer division for the brewpub, is now releasing a pair of new canned goods as of August -- Leaves of Lemongrass Wit and Riot Rye Ale -- in 16-oz cans. These join Dude’s first canned beer, the cult-favorite Dank IPA. The canned beers are produced through a new and clever alternating proprietorship with Rockyard Brewing in Castle Rock, CO. [6730 S Cornerstar Way, Aurora, CO]

Wynkoop Brewing Co (Denver) - Tomorrow in the Wynkoop taproom, their seasonal "Pumpkin Ale" will be released. It will be on tap at Wynkoop and they will also have 12oz cans available to take home. Embrace the Fall with this spiced brew. [1634 18th St, Denver, CO]Platt Park Brewing Co (Denver) - Some new events are coming soon to Platt Park Brewing. Look for special "The 11th Tap Project" tappings that feature classic and experimental beers in pins and firkins in the near future. They just got in their new firkins and small batch kegs. In the meantime, stop in for their regular lineup of brews and play Trivia tonight at 7pm. [1875 S Pearl St, Denver, CO]

Fiction Beer Co (Denver) - Denver's newest brewery is planning to tap a special experimental beer on Friday at 6pm. Stop in and try "Somewhere Around Barstow", an IPA brewed with cantaloupe and grapefruit. You'll enjoy this one cover to cover (aka sip to sip). [7101 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO]

Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery (Denver) - The first of five beer releases this week is now on tap (if just for a limited time): Barrel-Aged First Descent Old Ale (15.5% ABV, 50 IBU) - it was one of Denver Westword's top 2013 Colorado beers, and featured in VISIT DENVER's 2014-2015 Denver Beer Trail! Plus, there's an even bigger beer being released tomorrow. [1139 20th St, Denver, CO]

4 Noses Brewing Co (Broomfield) - 4 Noses Brewing is releasing something new everyday this week! It may be a pin, it may be a firkin, it may be something that has been hibernating in a barrel and it may even be an entirely new beer. Tonight they will be releasing "Reciprocal" KY Bourbon Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout. They will be tapping no more than 1 x 5 gallon keg of this each night until it is gone! [8555 W 116 Cir, Broomfield, CO]

Call to Arms Brewing Co (Denver) - This yet to open brewery will be hosting their 2nd GABF event tonight at Star Bar in Denver where they will be tapping their Peace & Assist No. 1, a collaboration brew they did with Cannonball Creek Brewing of Golden. Call to Arms will be doing a $2 raffle for two tickets to the Avery/Euclid Hall Midnight Breakfast also. [Star Bar: 2137 Larimer St, Denver, CO]

Chain Reaction Brewing Co (Denver) - This brewery is kicking off GABF week right with a special collaboration brew they did with Black Sky Brewery. Stop in for a glass of Fresh Hop IPA. It's as fresh as it gets. More tappings daily through Friday. Food trucks on site nightly. [902 S Lipan St, Denver, CO]

Our Mutual Friend Malt & Brew (Denver) - The brewery will be open at 2pm all week long for GABF. Today, in celebration of the return of fall and all the rad things it brings, they are proud to announce the return of their Pumpkin Ale. It had roasted pumpkin and brown sugar in the mash with spices added post fermentation. 7% ABV, 100% rad. [2810 Larimer St, Denver, CO]

Epic Brewing Co (Denver) - Element 29, their newest beer will be available in the tap room on Thursday, October 2nd. Coming in at 5.2% ABV, this Amarillo pale ale is easy drinking and is best enjoyed watching a Colorado sunset. Also available in cans. [3001 Walnut St, Denver, CO]

De Steeg Brewing (Denver) - They have two new delicious beers for you for Wednesday, October 1st! 1) Their much requested Imperial Pumpkin Ale is back at 11% ABV and smooth as silk. No spices, this is no Pumpkin Pie beer. 2) Their highly anticipated Tequila Aged Agave Tripel. Light with beautiful Belgian esters. The tequila comes through on the nose and develops on the palette over time. You must try it! [4342 Tennyson St, Denver, CO]

Avery Brewing Co (Boulder) - GABF Week has arrived and the Avery Tap Room is planning to host special tappings daily Wednesday through Saturday in Boulder. Look for special tappings daily at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. These will include rare, seasonal and hard to find beers. Tomorrow's tappings include: Pump[KY]n at 1pm, Rumpkin at 3pm and Eremita VIII at 5pm. Then on Thursday: Drew's Fuzzy Peach and Bourbon Barrel-Aged Czar at 1pm, Bad Karma at 3pm and Raven and Eremita IV at 5pm. On Friday: Mephistopheles '13 and Eremita V at 1pm, Eremita VII at 3pm, and Sour 10 lb Strawberry and Twelve (Anniversary Ale) at 5pm. Then rounding it off on Saturday: Papa Sour and Bourbon Barrel-Aged Trogdor at 1pm, The Preacher and The Beast '10 at 3pm, and The Czar '12 and The Kaiser '12 at 5pm. And that's just what they're doing at home. They're also heavily involved in events around the Denver metro area for GABF. [5757 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO]

Upslope Brewing Co (Boulder) - The time has finally come... Today's their Pumpkin Ale Release Party at their Flatiron Park tap room (5-9 pm) with live music from Alex Maryol (6-8 pm) & Heirloom food truck! Taps are flowin' now! They're also tapping their Plum & Cardamom Saison collab brewed with Hops & Pie! Can't make the trip to Boulder? Head over to their spot in Denver TONIGHT & get a taste. [1898 S Flatiron Ct, Boulder, CO]

Finkel & Garf Brewing Co (Boulder) - They have been waiting for the perfect time to release their OAK AGED IMPERIAL RED. Well... it's the week of GABF, so what better time? It will be released TOMORROW (Oct 1) in the tap room! [5455 Spine Rd, Ste A, Boulder, CO]

Sponsored ad from City Star Brewing - Berthoud, CO.

Northern Colorado

Odell Brewing Co (Ft. Collins) - [PRESS RELEASE] On October 1, 2014, Odell Brewing will release Woodcut No. 8, a Barleywine-style ale aged in new American oak barrels. The eighth release in the revered series pays tribute to the brewery’s English style brewing roots. Each Woodcut offering is a truly limited edition beer with a unique flavor that comes from select hops, fine malted barley, and the brewers’ careful aging process. Each brew is aged in virgin oak barrels that are retired after the release. Woodcut No. 8 has a rich malt base with notes of dried fruit that mingle with hints of toasted coconut, vanilla and turbinado sugar from the new oak. Slightly warming and sweet, the beer boasts delicate crème brûlée character that will evolve and mellow with age. Woodcut No. 8 will be available in the brewery’s tap room beginning October 1st, just in time for the Great American Beer Festival® visitors. Woodcut No. 8 is offered in 750 ml cork and cage finished bottles throughout the breweries 11 state distribution footprint. [800 E Lincoln Ave, Ft. Collins, CO]

City Star Brewing (Berthoud) - Don't forget! Tonight is their monthly taproom potluck dinner starting at 6:30pm. The theme for this month is Oktoberfest! Also, for GABF week, they are tapping their 2013 Mule Kick Strong Ale. There's just a few gallons of this so enjoy while you can! [321 Mountain Ave, Berthoud, CO]

The Fort Collins Brewery (Ft. Collins) - [PRESS RELEASE] From their home at 1020 E. Lincoln Ave. Fort Collins, Colo. The Fort Collins Brewery is excited to release the newest addition to the FCB full time beer lineup, 1020 Pale Ale. 1020 Pale Ale has a citrus aroma with underlying tones of pine and grapefruit zest that inhabit the flavor, while a smooth, light body and crisp, clean bitterness from the Magnum, Cascade and Chinook hops leave your palate both refreshed and liberated. Stats: 5.3% ABV, 12 SRM, 40 IBU. “With our 10 year anniversary coming up in October we had a great opportunity to reflect and plan for the next 20 years. It was through that process that 1020 was born,” said Operations Manager, Thomas Barnett. “We’re very excited to add an easy-drinking pale ale to our year-round brands.” To celebrate the occasion, FCB announced October 20th as 1020 Day. Throughout the day, FCB is encouraging consumers to post creative photos to their own Instagram, Facebook and/or Twitter accounts of the number 1020 with the #1020 for a chance to win a customized gift basket. 1020 Pale Ale will be available year-round to FCB’s 22-state distribution territory. 1020 is purchasable in draft and 12 oz. bottles sold in 6-packs and FCB’s Brewer’s Lunchbox, a variety 12-pack.

Buckhorn Brewers (Loveland) - This Saturday, October 4th is our next "Drink-In Movie". Join them in the evening for a private, after hours showing of Monty Python and The Holy Grail. As always, come in costume and get a free pint. Bring your chairs, blankets and friends, movie starts when it gets dark (6:45-7:00pm-ish). [4229 W Eisenhower Blvd, Loveland, CO]

Grimm Brothers Brewhouse (Loveland) - GABF is almost here and it's time to celebrate ‪#‎GABFLoveland‬ style! Today they tap Randolf, their German style gose. This is a tart beer with salt and coriander adding complexity and flavor. It tapped at 1pm and they only have a small amount available. Stop by and try it today. More new beer tappings daily through GABF week. Tomorrow they bring out some stashed away Bleeding Heart Raspberry Porter. [623 Denver Ave, Loveland, CO]

High Hops Brewery (Windsor) - This October High Hops is taking a break from their "Firkin Hump Day" to release unto the world something dark and sinister, beers they discovered in the depths of Windsor, brews so Evil that they are not sure that that small town is ready for them. They bring you "Ales from the Crypt." Every Wednesday at 5pm they'll introduce one of the brews and on the night of All Hallows Eve they will end the month will a special release to "appease the demons!" Try them all if you dare! This Wednesday, October 1st - get ready for "The Raven", an Ales From the Crypt release of a blackberry pilsner. Then coming up on Thursday, Oct. 2nd, High Hops will release "The Dead One", an Imperial India Brown Ale weighing in at 10.5% ABV. Then, this Saturday, there will be a third beer release - "Sweet Pepper Wheat", very low heat with a kiss of honey. [6461 Hwy 392, Windsor, CO]

Fieldhouse Brewing Co (Colorado Springs) - After a long week of closing the doors in light of the loss of a family member and business partner, they are excited to announce that they will be open tomorrow October 1st! Come hang out and support their re-opening. Tomorrow is Test Tap Wednesday and they will be tapping an Imperial Chocolate Orange Stout paired with smoked-duck egg rolls and orange dipping sauce from Treehouse BBQ. Be there at 5pm! Let's sell out the tap and truck tomorrow! Thursday they'll have the Packers vs Vikings game on the mega screen. Friday is live music and Run N' Grub KC BBQ. Sunday come watch the Broncos and if they win some lucky open tab will get paid off for free! [521 S Tejon, Colo. Springs, CO]

Iron Bird Brewing Co (Colorado Springs) - There will be a tapping today of their "Red", a cask ale. Treehouse BBQ will also be on hand tonight serving up food you'll want to pair it with. On a sad note, all of their 7 barrels of pumpkin beer is now completely gone. But never fear, another batch will be ready by next Tuesday. [402 S Nevada Ave, Colo. Springs, CO]

Like us on Facebook - There's even more Colorado beer happenings and discussions on the Fermentedly Challenged Facebook Page. Find recaps, special offers, and tips that you won't find on the blog.

Colorado Beer News is published on Fermentedly Challenged daily (Monday through Friday) with craft beer stories as they break from newsletters, emails and social media sites. This news is intended for audiences of legal drinking age (21+). If you'd like to subscribe to this daily by email, sign-up here. Please, always drink responsibly and use a designated driver.

Monday, September 29, 2014

September is nearly done and the Fall beers are out in full force! Look for Oktoberfests, Pumpkin and Fresh Hop beers to be prevalent. Here are some of the known Colorado craft beers released during this past week. While this list isn't complete by any means, it does represents a big chunk of the 250+ breweries here in Colorado. If you look around, some of the last Summer brews are still around, but won't be for long. Plenty of festivals still around. Look for these beers on tap at a brewery, bar or fest near you. Please note that some of these releases are firkins or specialty kegs and may already be gone.

Today is Confucius Day. Confucius was born in 551 BCE and was a famous highly quoted Chinese teacher. He was credited for writing many classic Chinese texts including all of the Five Classics. He was a master of philosophers, a gatekeeper of highest wisdom, and solver of great riddles. Today while you enjoy a craft beer ponder this quote from Confucius: "To study and not think is a waste. To think and not study is dangerous." - In our case, when we drink we study our glass and typically don't think and get wasted. Here's what's happening around the Colorado beerosphere today Monday, September 29th, 2014. If you aren't reading this article on FermentedlyChallenged.com, you don't know what you're missing.

Kokopelli Beer Co (Westminster) - Get in out of the rain and enjoy some Brews and Board Games tonight starting at 6pm. BYO game or play one of theirs. Ask to join a game with others. [8931 Harlan St, Westminster, CO]

Colorado Plus (Wheat Ridge) - Come by Tuesday at 6:30pm to pick up the 2nd edition of the Craft Beer Pin Up Calendar. Meet the lovely ladies of the brew world and get this years copy signed. Also, on the opening day of GABF (October 2nd), Colorado Plus will have over 22 different specialty beers on tap from nearly as many Colorado breweries, beers that you don't normally see. Beers like: Avery Pumpkyn, Black Bottle's Sparkles Shimmers Shines, Dry Dock RYE-zing Sun Saison, Odell Comes and Gose and many more. They'll be pouring all day long. [6995 W 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO]

Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project (Denver) - Rainy days call for beer. Good thing they have lots on tap. Plus, at 6pm Almanac Beer Co is joining Crooked Stave for Collaboration Brewers Night. Almanac will be bringing at least 5 of their beers. Should be a tasty evening. Plus, Crooked Stave's Autumn Surette is now available at the taproom. This batch was brewed with Ceylon cinnamon, Thai chili peppers, star anise, all spice and roasted squash. Bottles go for $8 each. [3350 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO]Bull & Bush Brewery (Denver) - This week inside at the GABF, Bull & Bush will be pouring an astounding 12 different beers! And back at their taproom in Denver, they will be pouring 35 different beers including several vertical tastings and some rarities. They will even have bottles of 5 select beers available in the taproom as well. Variety is the spice of life and Bull & Bush certainly has it this week. [4700 Cherry Creek Dr South, Denver, CO]

Fiction Beer Co (Denver) - The 50th brewery to open in Colorado this year is Fiction Beer Company of Denver, CO. Ryan and Christa Kilpatrick opened their book-themed brewery on Saturday, September 27th at 7101 E Colfax Ave. They are on the 1st floor of an apartment building. Even their bar is made of books and the beers are book themed! They have regular business hours on Wednesdays through Sundays, open at 2pm and stay as open as late as 10pm normally and 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. They're pouring several beers including a Wit, a Belgian Farmhouse, an IPA, a Pale Ale, a Stout and a seasonal ale called "Are Red Heads Supernatural?". Come open a "book" with them!

Lost Highway Brewing Company (Denver) - Good things come to those who wait. The brewery you thought would never open finally has! Last Friday (September 26th), Lost Highway Brewing Company opened their doors for business at 520 E Colfax Ave in Denver, CO. They started off with 6 beers including: Golden Ghost (Belgian Oat Pils), Longest Wickedest Wit, Grave Robber Fraud Quad, Belghost IPA, District 6 Pils, and a Pumpkin Ale. They are open 7 days a week. GABF special hours this week then regular hours start next Monday. They also host a deli counter with breads, meats and cheeses to pair with your beer. Check em out! [520 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO]

Wit's End Brewing Co (Denver) - Welcome 2014 GABF Attendees! Wit's End Brewing will be holding special hours during GABF week. Their taproom will be open every day during the week of September 29th: Monday through Thursday 2pm to 8pm, and Friday and Saturday 12pm to 8pm. They will have special tappings throughout the week, including some of our rare beers like Sorry I’m Not Sour, Dim Mak, Big Willie Style and others! Check out our Facebook page for updates. Slow beer for fast times. [2505 W 2nd Ave, Unit 13, Denver, CO]

Rock Bottom Brewery (Denver) - Stop in on Wednesday, October 1st at 6:00pm for a tapping of their Devil's Thumb Belgian Ale. They'll be giving out a free glass of this brew from 6pm to 6:30pm that day to wet your whistle. It makes a perfect warm up brew for GABF. Then two weeks later, they'll be tapping their Pumpkin Smasher Ale on October 15th at 6pm with the same great free tasting offer til 6:30pm. [1001 16th St, Unit A-100, Denver, CO]

Beer By Design Brewery (Northglenn) - It's that time of year! Their Harvest Pumpkin Ale will be back on tap on Wednesday, October 1st. Taste the season! [2100 E 112th Ave, Northglenn, CO]

Boulder County

BRU handbuilt ales and eats (Boulder) - This week during GABF, BRU has several events you'll want to check out. Tonight it's "The Art of Pairing Beer & Food" at 6pm. On Tuesday (9/30) it's a special tapping of their Loch Wee Heavy Scotch Ale. On Oct 1st it's the 2nd Annual Steins & Staches contest at 7pm - plus a special tapping of their 2nd Anniversary ale and a complimentary ale for GABF ticket holders at 6pm. Then on October 3rd at 7pm join in for a 3-course beer dinner. On Sat. Oct 4th at 6pm they'll do a special tapping of their Fresh Hop American Pale Ale. And finally on Sun. Oct 5th it's the GABF Hangover Brunch from 9:30am to 3pm - call (720) 638-5193 for reservations. [5290 Arapahoe, Boulder, CO]

Avery Brewing Co (Boulder) - Avery Brewing will be busy with events during GABF week. In their Tap Room, October 1st through the 4th they will have special tappings and brewery tours. Daily tappings at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. Brewery tours at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. Then on Thursday, Oct. 2nd join in at Euclid Hall in Denver for the annual Midnight Breakfast starting at 11pm. You'll get 7 courses and 14 rare beers! Then on Fri. Oct. 3rd at 8:30pm at the Fox Theatre in Boulder it's the Great Avery Boulder Fest. Get some of their tap room exclusives and cellar rarities on tap along with some live music. And on Fri. Oct. 3rd at 10pm at Star Bar it's Avery's Robe One Out event. Slip into something more comfortable and Robe One Out with them after the GABF session! A limited number of plush Avery robes will be available to buy at Star Bar, and they'll have rare hardcore & softcore Avery brews on tap! [Taproom: 5757 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO]

12Degree Brewing (Louisville) - Come down to 12Degree Brewing on Wednesday, October 1st from 4 7pm to enjoy some delicious beer and cheese pairings and mingle with some very friendly, goofy goats! This collaborative pairing event will showcase the delicious and age-old relationship between beer and cheese. The event will include a taster flight of five 5-oz Belgian-inspired 12Degree beers and a large spread of selected handcrafted cheeses from Haystack Mountain Goat Dairy. And the goats will be joining the party, too! As you enjoy your beer and cheese pairings, you can pet and watch these playful, cheeky tricksters. It is sure to be an extremely tasty and memorable experience. Tickets cost $22 per person and can be purchased in the taproom or online at twelvedegree.com/goats. [820 Main St, Louisville, CO]

The Very Nice Brewing Co (Nederland) - In honor of GABF this weekend we will be tapping a sixer of our Ginger Saison on Wednesday and then a sixer of the "Make It So Earl Grey IPA" on Saturday. First come first serve! (Or is that Last come, least served?) [20 Lakeview Dr, Unit 112, Nederland, CO]

Odd13 Brewing (Lafayette) - GABF week is here! They can't wait to participate in their first ever GABF. If you aren't headed to GABF, they have some very special tappings back at the brewery to celebrate! Lineup: Wed: Unoaked American Barleywine, Thu: Spicy McHaggis, Dry Irish Stout, with brett and Fri: Small batch sour ales. ‪#‎drinkoddbeer‬ [301 E Simpson St, Lafayette, CO]

Grimm Brothers Brewhouse (Loveland) - It's GABF at Grimm Brothers and they will be tapping something different each day this week. Today's tapping is "Bookends: A Story of World Beverage", a black sour ale aged in bourbon barrels. It will also be available in bottles only at World Beverage. On Tuesday, they tap "Randolf Gose", a sour salted beer. On Wed, Oct 2nd, they'll open up some cellared Bleeding Heart Raspberry Porter. Then on Thursday, they'll tap some 2 year old Big Bad wolf Schtick Alt. Then on Friday, Oct. 3rd come try their Magic Mirror, an imperial Kottbusser ale. And finally, on Saturday, stop in for their "Wooden Path Latzenebier". Something that every German beer lover will enjoy. [623 Denver Ave, Loveland, CO]

City Star Brewing (Berthoud) - The culture of the Great American Beer Festival is much more than the tasting sessions in Denver; it encompasses the entire state of Colorado. In this spirit City Star is celebrating in their Berthoud taproom by pulling some of their favorite specialty beers out of the archives for tapping throughout the week (very limited supply). City Star's GABF week schedule: TUE - 2013 Mule Kick Strong Ale (2013 GABF Bronze Medal) tapping at 2pm, Oktoberfest Potluck 6:30pm. WED - Vaquero Tequila Barrel Aged Golden tapping at 2pm, GABF trivia 7:30pm. THU - 2013 Chai Watchman Chai Stout tapping at 2pm, live music with Seth Phillips 7pm. FRI - 2013 Widow Maker Imperial Stout tapping at 2pm, live music with Jeff Brinkman 7pm. And SAT - Country Pumpkin tapping at noon (growlers welcome!), and a late night show with aka Laser Bunny 8-11pm. [321 Mountain Ave, Berthoud, CO]

Verboten Brewing (Loveland) - Starting at 1pm tomorrow (Sept. 30th), you can pick up 1 to 2 of their 22oz bottles of Night Has Fallen, a barrel aged American sour. They have just 13 cases bottled this time around so get them soon! [1550 Taurus Ct, Loveland, CO]

New Belgium Brewing (Ft. Collins) - Fans spoke and New Belgium has listened. They are bringing back their 2 Below Ale as the Winter Revival Beer in their upcoming Folly Packs. Look for it soon! [500 Linden St, Ft. Collins, CO]

Out of State Brewery Events in Colorado

Stone Brewing Co (California) - Look for Stone Brewing to be involved in multiple events during GABF in Colorado. Tuesday 9/30 - Paramount Cafe Beer Festival 5-8pm in Denver, also San Diego Tuesday @ Tap n' Handle in Fort Collins, and Brewers' Karaoke at 8pm @ Star Bar in Denver. On Wednesday, Oct. 1st - Stone Tapping @ Lyons Fork in Lyons at 5pm, also World of Beer Barrel-Aged Beer Competition from 5-8pm in Cherry Creek, a rare beer dinner @ The Populist in Denver at 7pm, and a Stone tapping @ Federal Bar & Grill in Denver at 7pm. More events later in the week.
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Colorado Beer News is published on Fermentedly Challenged daily (Monday through Friday) with craft beer stories as they break from newsletters, emails and social media sites. This news is intended for audiences of legal drinking age (21+). If you'd like to subscribe to this daily by email, sign-up here. Please, always drink responsibly and use a designated driver.

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Today is National Comic Book Day. It's one of the biggest Geek holidays of the year. It's a day to celebrate that superhero in all of us and "Marvel" in our love of those graphic mini-novels that have been part of American culture for several generations. Only now, comic books are mainstream and are read by both children and adults. What's your favorite comic book? How about "The Adventures of Craft Beer Man"? Here's what's happening around the Colorado beerosphere today Thursday, September 25th, 2014. If you aren't reading this article on FermentedlyChallenged.com, you don't know what you're missing.

Denver Beer Fest (Denver) - From Sept. 26-Oct. 4, the citywide suds celebration known as Denver Beer Fest will return for its sixth year with hundreds of beer-themed events including Meet the Brewer Nights, beer-paired dinners, firkin nights, brewer versus brewer competitions and much more. All events are listed – and updated daily – at DenverBeerFest.com. The event was created by VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau, to offer more beer events around the Great American Beer Festival® (GABF) – organized by the Brewers Association – and also to give local breweries, tap houses, bars and restaurants an opportunity to showcase their products to the 50,000 beer lovers who attend the “Super Bowl” of beer festivals, as well as Denver locals who were unable to get tickets for GABF 2014. Many of these events can also be found in the Colorado Beer Fest Calendar on FermentedlyChallenged.com.

Big Choice Brewing (Broomfield) - Join in for Beer Brunch on Saturday, September 27th at Big Choice Brewing from 10am til Noon (or whenever the breakfast food is gone and then they will have Brats and such for lunch). There will be Saison Beermosas for $5.50, a Breakfast Beer (Coffee Session IPA), and Breakfast Food Provided by Tasty Eats. No tickets necessary - just come in and enjoy. Kick your Saturday off right. Also, stop in on Sunday, September 28th from 3:30pm to 6:30pm for Beer and Brushstrokes. They will be painting an awesome scene. $45 includes painting supplies and 2 beers. Everyone is encouraged to bring in a small appetizer to share for this event. Get tickets in the Big Choice Tasting Room on Friday. [7270 W 118th Pl, Unit A, Broomfield, CO]

Barrels & Bottles Brewery (Golden) - Here's two pre-GABF events you might wish to attend. First on Monday, September 29th from 5pm to 10pm spend an evening with the beers from Crooked Stave Artisans with 15 different beers from Crooked Stave, Almanac, Prairie, Evil Twin, Perennial, Stillwater and several others. Then the next night, September 30th at 5pm, it's the return of the Shmaltz Tap Takeover! This event was a hit last year and they decided to bring it back. Shmaltz Brewing Company and Barrels & Bottles Brewery are kicking off the Great American Beer Festival week with all the chutzpah that you've come to expect. Shmaltz Brewing will bring these fine brews: St. Lenny's Belgian DIPA, Reunion Ale 2014, Jewbelation (2011, 2013 & 2014), Death of a Contract Brewer Black IPA, Hop Manna IPA, Rejewvenator 2014 Dubbel Dopple, Mango Shot, David's Slingshot Hoppy Lager, and Redstone Mango Nectar. [600 12th St, Golden, CO]

Freshcraft (Denver) - Freshcraft is planning daily special tappings all next week for Denver Beer Fest week leading up to the GABF. Stop in each and every night from September 29th through October 5th at 7pm for a focused tapping with several different tappings. On Monday 9/29 it's Breckenridge Brewery night. On Tuesday 9/30 it's New Belgium Brewing night. On Wednesday 10/1 it's Upslope Brewing night. On Thursday, 10/2 at 3pm it's Elevation Beer Company afternoon, then later at 7pm it's a combo of Cigar City Brewing and Ska Brewing. On Friday 10/3 at 2pm it's an afternoon with Odell Brewing (25th anniversary) and Boulevard Brewing, then later that night at 10pm it's Stone Brewing and Green Flash Brewing (San Diego) night. Rounding out the weekend, on Saturday 10/4 at 7pm it's Surly Brewing night. And finally on Sunday morning 10/5 at 11am stop in for a Beer Brunch and all the water you can drink. [1530 Blake St, Ste A, Denver, CO]

Braun Taphaus & Grille (Arvada) - For five days (Oct 1-5), Braun Taphaus will be hosting a "East Coast, West Coast, No Coast" tap takeover. Braun Taphaus will be teaming up with three of the finest craft breweries in the U.S. to celebrate their first Great American Beer Festival in Denver. East Coast; Sam Adams from Boston, West Coast; Lagunitas from Northern California, and “No Coast”; New Belgium from Ft Collins will each be taking over 6 of their 20 taps for a grand total of 18 specialty featured beers. In the spirit of GABF they have asked these amazing breweries to showcase what each do best. Sam Adams will be bringing some of their more malty brews from their vast catalog to appeal to the dark beer lover that lives in us all. New Belgium, the original Colorado craft brewery, has been one of the leaders in the “sour” beer revolution and has promised some of their finest and rarer selections in that genre. And finally, those unpredictable hop-heads from Petaluma, CA, Lagunitas. True to form, the folks from Lagunitas are bringing 6 of their style-bending, hop forward creations to challenge even the most discerning hop-head. [5601 Olde Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO]

Breckenridge Brewery (Denver) - Breck Brew is hosting 2 nights of music and beer at the Ogden Theater on the Friday and Saturday of GABF (Oct 3-4). The musical group is Karl Denson's Tiny Universe featuring Roosevelt Collier, a high-energy group. Doors open at 8pm and show starts at 9pm each night. Also, there will a Official Breck Brew Pre-Party for this show at The Irish Snug (1201 E Colfax Ave, Denver) on Friday October 3rd @ 7:30pm. Show your music ticket at Irish Snug and get a free Breck beer! Ogden Theatre: [935 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO]

38 State Brewing Co (Littleton) - 38 State is hosting a shindig this Sunday starting at noon to help you get through a Broncos BYE week. They will be hosting a corn-hole tournament, which will be your last chance to win a pair of GABF tickets! They'll also be releasing a barrel-aged smoked English old ale, along with several other games and prizes. [8071 S Broadway, Ste A, Littleton, CO]

Mu Brewery (Aurora) - Here's your chance to party like it's 1810. On Saturday, October 18th, join in at sunset as they turn off the lights, light up Mu with candles and lanterns and transport everyone back to a simpler time. No lights, no technology, just tones of fun. Details coming soon. [9735 E Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO]

Lakewood Cider Days (Lakewood) - After GABF is done you might want to change things up and go to a Hard Cider Tasting. Stop over to the Lakewood Heritage Center on Sunday, October 5th from Noon to 4pm for Lakewood Cider Days. There will be a hard cider tasting featuring many of the best Colorado and regional hard ciders around. Over 40 different hard ciders to try. Cost is $22 = $7 fest entry + $15 tasting. [801 S Yarrow St, Lakewood, CO]

Baere Brewing Co (Denver) - In observance of the mighty GABF week next week, they plan to expand their hours. Tuesday they will be hosting a beer dinner. Wednesday and Thursday (Oct 1-2) open 3pm to 10pm, and Friday & Saturday (Oct 3-4) open 4pm to 11pm. New beer tappings throughout the week! [320 Broadway, Ste E, Denver, CO]

Former Future Brewing Co (Denver) - What's happening at Former Future for GABF week? On Monday 7-9 they're hosting a members only Bourbon Barrel Porter bottle release (closed to the public sorry). On Tuesday from 7-9pm they're hosting a Beer and Empanada Pairing with Maria Empanada. $18 for 4 beers and 4 empanadas. Tickets available by phone or at the taproom. Then on Wednesday from 4-10pm it's their Bourbon Barrel Porter bottle release + a Live t-shirt screen printing. Get a free FFBC logon on any dark shirt, $20 for the front / back / sleeve printed limited edition Prim and Porter shirts. Otherwise, they will see you all at the GABF! [1290 S Broadway, Denver, CO]

Stapleton Tap House (Denver) - They gave away a pair tickets for the Saturday Afternoon session of the 2014 Great American Beer Festival through their Poker Tournament and now they are going to give away pair for the Thursday evening session (Oct 2)! To enter in the drawing, just visit the Tap House between now and 9pm on Tuesday Sept 30 and for every beer you purchase you will receive a raffle ticket! Come as often as you like, as there are no limits to how many tickets you can enter in the drawing! Good luck. [8286 E Northfield Blvd, Unit 1525, Denver, CO]

Boulder County

Boulder Beer Co (Boulder) - Today is officially the 35th Anniversary of Boulder Beer Company. Back on this day in 1979 they got their Brewer's Notice. Congrats to Boulder as being Colorado's oldest craft brewery. Wish them well today and stop in for a beer! [2880 Wilderness Pl, Boulder, CO]

The Old Mine (Boulder) - Next week is The Old Mine’s half-birthday (they're six months old!) and by awesome coincidence it’s the same time as the Great American Beer Fest! To celebrate, they'll be tapping some special hard cider and beer treasures just for you all week long. And, for the grand finale, Crooked Stave Artisans will be doing a huge tap takeover Friday, October 3rd. On Tues. September 30th they'll tap Sidra Tequila Cider. On Wed. Oct. 1st they'll tap Cana, a red wine bbl-aged hard cider, and on Thurs. Oct 2nd they're tapping Chocolate & Vanilla Bean Pyrite, a bourbon bbl fermented imperial hard cider. Then on the 3rd it's a tap takeover of Crooked Stave Artisans beers - not to miss! [500 Briggs St, Erie, CO]

The Fort Collins Brewery (Ft. Collins) - [PRESS RELEASE] The Fort Collins Brewery (FCB) is gearing up for the Great American Beer Festival, October 2-4. More than ever before, FCB is sending eight different beers. FCB will have presence at the GABF Public Tasting Pavilion, Brewers Studio Pavilion, Farm-to-Table Pavilion and Draft Magazine’s VIP Lounge. The newest addition to FCB’s core brands, 1020 Pale Ale, releasing to the public on October 20th, will release early to GABF attendees at the Public Tasting Pavilion. Accompanying 1020 on the main stage will be FCB’s new fall seasonal Oktoberfest, Hop Head Squared (a limited release imperial red) and the highly anticipated Barnaby, Barley Wine from the award-winning Malt Monster series. Community Collaborations is the topic on hand for FCB’s Brewers Pavilion presentation, taking place Thursday, October 2nd from 7:30pm – 8:00pm. For 10 years, FCB has been collaborating with local businesses to create special beers to highlight community partnerships. Samples of Mountain Honey Pale Ale, a collaboration with Beau Jo’s (Fort Collins) and Trends, a blended barrel aged sour dry hopped black IPA collaboration with Tap and Handle, will be available for attendees to taste. FCB’s philosophy of Create – Share – Savor is taken to the next stage as they partner with Row 34, a workingman’s oyster bar out of Boston at the Farm-to-Table Pavilion. Row 34’s exquisite seafood dishes, Smoked Mussel Salad and Ceviche will be paired one on one with FCB’s GABF medal winning seasonal, DoppelBock and their limited release Autumn Saison. Barnaby, Barley Wine, featured in Draft Magazine as a cellar series must have will make a second debut Saturday evening at the Draft VIP Lounge. Outside of GABF, FCB will be hosting events throughout the week in Denver and Fort Collins. To get a full listing of events, visit http://www.fortcollinsbrewery.com/gabf-specials-events/. [1020 E Lincoln Ave, Ft. Collins, CO]

1933 Brewing Co (Ft. Collins) - Get $1 off all pints today. They will be open til 9pm tonight. If you want to watch the NFL game there tonight they'll have free pizza for you. This is the last Thursday to take advantage of their free pizza deal. [4025 S Mason, Ft. Collins, CO]

Grimm Brothers Brewhouse (Loveland) - Grimm Bros are planning a new beer release for Saturday, October 4th at noon - The Wooden Path. This is a Latzenbier, which is a barrel aged stronger version of an altbier. Keeping with tradition they added an additional component by aging the stronger version of northern German red ale in Breckenridge Bourbon barrels. The end is a rich complicated beer with heavy oak and bourbon notes and a malty undertone and clean finish. This is a limited release so make sure you come in a try it right away. Get a preview of this beer at the Denver Rare Beer Festival VI. [623 Denver Ave, Loveland, CO]

Snowbank Brewing Co (Ft. Collins) - Great news for all AHA Members - Snowbank Brewing is now offering AHA discounts in the taproom. Flash your membership card and get a dollar off your first pint and a dollar off growler fills. They are open until 8pm tonight. Bring your card! [225 N Lemay Ave, Ste 1, Ft. Collins, CO]

Black Bottle Brewery (Ft. Collins) - It's Das Boot! Today is BBB's Oktoberfest celebration. They will have several guest Oktoberfest beers on tap today including: FCB's Oktoberfest, Left Hand Oktoberfest, Odell Brewing Oktoberfest, and Zwei Bruder's Fest Marzen. Black Bottle will also tap their own Oktoberfest beer called "Shushen Ze Mouthen". All of these beers will be available in a 1 litre Boot glass. Brewery reps will be on hand at 5:00pm and will be offering up some sweet giveaways. Then at 7pm tonight, join in for their stein hoisting competition. [1611 S College Ave, Unit 1609, Ft. Collins, CO]

High Hops Brewery (Windsor) - Tonight High Hops will be releasing something very special! The Bourbon Barrel Aged Monster Mash! This is an Imperial Pumpkin Porter aged in Breckenridge Bourbon Barrels for 6 months. Lightly spiced to perfection with cinnamon and cloves this beer weighs in at 9.2%ABV. They have 2 BBLs of it so come in by the end of the weekend to make sure you get a taste of some monster madness. [6461 State Hwy 392, Windsor, CO]

Equinox Brewing (Ft. Collins) - For the final day of Spicy September they have dueling pins (1/2 firkin). At noon they tapped a pin of Jonas Porter conditioned with 2 Ghost Chiles, and a pin of Space Ghost IPA conditioned with 4 Ghost Chiles! Cheers! [133 Remington St, Ft. Collins, CO]

Horse & Dragon Brewing Co (Ft. Collins) - Introducing their newest brew, Perambulation Ale #1 (their first Beers Made By Walking beer). Inspired by some perambulation on trails in the Poudre Canyon and at Friends of The Gardens on Spring Creek, the recipe incorporates cedar and juniper. The finished beer was a wonderful surprise. Make your guess on how a delicious amber might be influenced by these outdoorsy ingredients and then come give it a try (and let them know if you're surprised, too). [124 Racquette Dr, Ft. Collins, CO]

Red Leg Brewing Co (Colorado Springs) - Tonight in the taproom they have 2 limited release beers on and Bite Me Gourmet Sausage will be there all evening. Friday 9/26 - Final Firkin Friday! The firkin of Raspberry Brown be tapped at 3pm and it will be pouring until it's gone, so don't miss out on this VERY limited release! Saturday 9/27 - Tours at 3PM, 5PM and 7PM. Want to know how they make the amazing beer you know and love, this is your chance! Sunday 9/28 - Football Game Day specials! [4630 Forge Rd, Ste B, Colo. Springs, CO]

Mountains and West

Ska Brewing (Durango) - Just in case you were planning to visit Ska HQ this weekend, they will close early on Friday and Saturday, September 26 & 27 for some private events. Their hours will be: Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturday 11am to 5pm. A tour will be available at 4pm. [225 Girard St, Durango, CO]

Copper Club Brewing Co (Fruita) - You can now get their 18 Road IPA in a bottle! It's 22 oz. worth for $6.00 plus an 18 Road IPA pint glass for $5. Save $1 on the pint glass if you buy both. There's limited supplies, so get them while they last! open today from 4pm to 9pm. [233 E Aspen Ave, Fruita, CO]

Glenwood Canyon Brewing Co (Glenwood Springs) - Join in for Oktoberfest celebration starting tonight and lasting all weekend long. Tonight they will be tapping their Barrel Rolls Oktoberfest Lager at 5pm. Be sure to wear your dirndl or lederhosen for the costume contest at 7:00pm. They have a special Oktoberfest menu planned for the weekend featuring some awesome German-style cuisine. [402 7th St, Glenwood Springs, CO]

Oktoberfest Durango (Durango) - This Saturday & Sunday, September 27 & 28 in the Durango Transit Center Parking Lot is Oktoberfest Durango. They'll be celebrating Saturday 12pm to 5:30pm and on Sunday from 12pm to 4:30pm. Lots of fresh beer from local breweries will be flowing. Visit www.OktoberfestDurango.com for details.
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Wednesday, September 24, 2014

September 24th is not known for any major holiday, however, for those looking for something to celebrate today you can take your choice of: 1) National Bluebird of Happiness Day, 2) National Punctuation Day, or 3) The 53rd anniversary of the debut of "The Bullwinkle Show". Or, you can simply celebrate the day with a pint of your favorite craft beer and toast to another sunny Colorado day. Here's what's happening around the Colorado beerosphere today Wednesday, September 24th, 2014. If you aren't reading this article on FermentedlyChallenged.com, you don't know what you're missing.

Inaugural GABF Od(d) Corridor Brewery Bus Tour (Denver) - Here's an idea for those of you in town for the GABF and are looking for something to do the day before. Consider joining in on the Inaugural GABF Od(d) Corridor Brewery Bus Tour. This bus will stop at four breweries in the NW Denver Metro area. Join in on a short trip away from downtown where they’ll be pouring a range of great beers for you. They’ll pick you up near the Convention Center at 9:30am Wednesday, October 1st and will have you back sometime around 3:00pm. Tour stops include: Odyssey Beerwerks (Arvada), Big Choice Brewing (Broomfield), Front Range Brewing (Lafayette) and Odd13 Brewing in Lafayette. The $37.74 ticket price includes: Transportation (it's a party bus! so drinking is allowed), Buffet style lunch, discounted beer pricing at each stop, and good times. So, c’mon, you’re probably gonna be spending enough time downtown this week – why not check out some of Colorado’s other “local” breweries? Register online at: http://www.uniiverse.com/oddcorridorbrewerybustour2014

Hops & Pie (Denver) - Fans coming in for GABF will want to pay attention to all the events scheduled at Hops & Pie from September 30th through October 3rd. Starting off on Tues. Sept. 30th - it's an all day tapping with Upslope Brewing. Upslope is bringing a full list of beers including: Pumpkin Ale, Oatmeal Stout, Summer Herbal Ale Gruit, Imperial Rye IPA, Blackberry Belgian Pale Ale and their collaboration with Hops & Pie - Plum Cardamom Saison. Next, on Wed. Oct. 1st spend a day with Crooked Stave Artisans. There will be a variety of delicious rarities from Crooked Stave, Prairie, Perennial, Almanac, Breakside, Stillwater, Evil Twin, Jester King, Westbrook, Boneyard, 10 Barrel and Oakshire. Runs from 11:30am til kegs are kicked. Then on Thurs. Oct. 2nd from 11:30am till the kegs kick - it's a day with Sun King Brewing. Sun King is bringing: Afternoon Delight, Port Barrel Wee Mac, Hop Up Offa That Brett, Barrel Aged 666, Lonesome Dove, Whip Flight and others. Then Hops & Pie will wrap it up on Fri. Oct. 3rd from 11:30am til the kegs kick with a day with Cigar City Brewing and SweetWater Brewing. Plenty of tasty brews from those 2 breweries plus some other kegs they have been hoarding. [3920 Tennyson St, Denver, CO]Renegade Brewing Co (Denver) - Here's what's in store for Denver Beer Week (Sept 30 - Oct 3) at Renegade Brewing. Special tappings include: Rye Bourbon Bbl-aged Hammer & Sickle (Russian Imperial Stout) on 9/30 6pm, and a Tequila Bbl-aged Agave Pale Ale on Wed. Oct. 1st 6pm. Brewery tours are available October 2nd at 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 and 4:30pm with free samples. Later that day between 7-9pm it's $1 beer night. Beer will be poured for just $1 a glass. [926 W 9th Ave, Denver, CO]

Black Shirt Brewing Co (Denver) - The staff at BSB want to invite everyone to a very special event next Saturday, October 4th. Next Saturday is the premiere of their very own concert TV series on CPTV's Channel 12. The show is called Now Playing and it will finally be broadcast publicly after over a year and a half of development. BSB will be hosting a live screening of the show at the brewery at 10pm after two bands play in the Beer Garden / back patio on October 4th. This is surely an event unlike any other during GABF. Check out the video preview below or on YouTube. [3719 Walnut St, Denver, CO]

TRVE Brewing (Denver) - Attention GABF nerds: TRVE Brewing will have extended hours next week during GABF. Sadly, you won't find TRVE Brewing inside at GABF, but they play to be partying like motherf'ers that week regardless. Business hours that week: Monday (closed), Tuesday & Wednesday 2pm - 11pm, Thursday 2pm - 12am, Friday & Saturday 12pm - 12am, and Sunday 12pm - 10pm. Check out their Events Page to find out about special activities they will be involved with next week that you can join in on. [227 Broadway #101, Denver, CO]

Bull & Bush Brewery (Denver) - Beer fans! Bull & Bush just released "Ghoul Fuel 2014". They bottled this awesome pumpkin ale today. Now Fall can officially start. They also have a few bottles of Ghoul Fuel 2013 for sale as well. [4700 E Cherry Creek South Dr, Denver, CO]

Old South Pearl Oktoberfest (Denver) - Looking for a small intimate Oktoberfest? Stop over at the 1500 block of South Pearl Street in Denver this Saturday, September 27th from 1pm to 9pm. Plenty of live music, beer, and street food.

3 Freaks Brewery (Highlands Ranch) - The brewers have been busy tapping beers! Yesterday they tapped Lil' Hansel's German Wheat and today they tapped Lucky Clover's Red. Plus, they also have a stout, an amber, a Belgian Dubbel, and a Pale Ale on tap as well. Visit soon. [7140 E County Line Rd, Highlands Ranch, CO]

Call to Arms Brewing Co (Denver) - Call to Arms is excited to announce two raffles that'll be taking place during their Final 15 Gallons of Peace & Assist No.1 events. On Monday 9/29, they'll be pouring P&A No.1 at Cheba Hut Toasted Subs-Denver and raffling off two tickets to the Thursday night session of the GABF. On Tuesday 9/30, they'll be pouring some more delicious No.1 at Star Bar and raffling off two tickets to the Midnight Breakfast at Euclid Hall, featuring a number of incredible beers from our old colleagues at Avery Brewing Company. Raffle tickets will be $2 each, and the proceeds will go towards a local charity. This brewery isn't open for business yet, but look for them to open early 2015 at: [4526 Tennyson St, Denver, CO]

Hyatt Regency Denver (Denver) - During GABF, the Hyatt Regency (next to the Colorado Convention Center) will be hosting several beer events. On Thursday, October 2nd there will be an Oskar Blues Tap Takeover in their Strata Bar starting at 3pm. Also at their Altitude Patio Cookout (Thursday through Saturday) they'll feature Oskar Blues on the corner of 14th and California from 3pm to 8pm. AND - come to the "Rock the Dock" party featuring specialty beers from Upslope, Left Hand, Dogfish Head, Bristol, Elysian, Firestone Walker, Victory, Maui Brewing, Stone Brewing, and River North (located between 14th and 15th on Welton) 3pm-5pm. Then on Friday October 3rd, the Strata Bar will do a Bristol Brewing/Left Hand Brewing/Upslope Brewing tap takeover starting at 3pm. Then on Saturday, October 4th the Strata Bar will do a New Belgium Brewing tap takeover starting at 3pm. Hyatt Regency Denver [650 15th St, Denver, CO]

Boulder County

Boulder IPA Fest (Boulder) - Be they dank or piney or floral or tart, spiced or fruited or dry-hopped or wet, Double or Imperial, a little of some or all those together, celebrate the India Pale Ale in all its iterations and strengths! Tickets go on sale this Friday, Sept. 26th at 9am MDT for the 3rd Annual Boulder IPA Fest. The 3rd Annual Boulder IPA Fest is on November 8th from 12-5pm and will be held at Avery Brewing Company. Tickets are $45 and include 16 four-oz. pours and a commemorative glass. All profits will go to Emergency Family Assistance Association. Get tickets at: IPAFest.eventbrite.com. [5757 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO]

Avery Brewing Co (Boulder) - This Sunday, Avery will host a Tap Room Release Party for their Rumpkin. Batch No. 4. of their monstrous pumpkin ale, plump full of spicy gourdiness, aged in fresh rum barrels to add suggestions of delicate oak and candied molasses. 16.73% ABV. Bottle sales begin Sun. Sept 28th at 1pm. $12 per bottle, 1 case limit per person. There will also be a big list of rare beers on draft starting at 11am. [5757 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO]

300 Suns Brewing (Longmont) - Sunscorched Smoked Porter is back on tap for Oktoberfest festivities! They introduced this as a small batch at last years Oktoberfest before they even opened their doors, and it was by far the most popular they served. So, it holds a special place in their hearts this time of year. It's on tap at the brewery and available while it lasts at Longmont's Oktoberfest this Friday and Saturday! Brewery at: ]335 1st Ave, Unit C, Longmont, CO]

Sponsored ad from City Star Brewing - Berthoud, CO.

Northern Colorado

Loveland Aleworks (Loveland) - At the GABF next week, stop by booth H-11 and check out the big line-up of beers they brought: American Sour Ale w/Raspberries, Belgian Dubbel, Coconut Porter, IPA, Hefeweizen, and a Baltic Porter (PRO-AM). Back at the brewery, during GABF week Loveland Aleworks will be tapping numerous specialty small-batch beers every day. They will have 2 distinct sour beers on tap at all times and possibly more if the head brewer is feeling generous. Follow #GABFloveland for special tappings to include a chocolate coconut porter, Sorachi Ace IPA, Jasmin Tripel among others. Loveland Aleworks will be offering 1/2 price pints of their daily small-batch beers to patrons who show them their GABF tickets. Loveland Aleworks will be offering flagship flights for $5 all week long. They will also be having daily tours starting 9/29 through 10/5 at both 12:30pm and 2:30pm. Anyone who purchases clothing merchandise during GABF week gets a free pint. [118 W 4th St, Loveland, CO]

City Star Brewing (Berthoud) - Tonight is your last chance to get the best burgers on wheels in Berthoud! CHUBurger Bonewagon food truck will be out front 6-9pm, their last night in town before the truck heads to North Carolina. Trivia kicks off at 7:30pm. Come thirsty, hungry and ready for fun! [321 Mountain Ave, Berthoud, CO]

Wiley Roots Brewing Co (Greeley) - Set your calendars for Saturday, October 11th at 6:30pm. That's the date for their 2nd annual release of Apumpalyptica - Imperial Pumpkin Ale. This brew sold like gangbusters last year and it'll just do the same this year. Might try mixing that also with their Chocolate Porter for a yummy combo. [625 3rd St, Unit D, Greeley, CO]

Southern Front Range

Bristol Brewing Co (Colorado Springs) - It’s that time of year to start making room in the fridge for a bottle or two of Venetucci Pumpkin Ale. They will host a Venetucci Pumpkin Ale bottle pre-sale on Sun. Sept. 28th at 12pm at the Bristol Pub for those not willing to stand in line the night of the release. There's a 4-bottle limit per person. Each bottle is $6.99 plus tax. This is for ordering only. Pickup dates are between Oct. 16 and Nov. 16. The actual release date is at 5pm Wed. Oct. 15th. Pints will be available for $6 that day and some bottles for purchase that day as well (Limit 2 per person that day). [1604 S Cascade Ave, Colo. Springs, CO]

Dillon Dam Brewery (Dillon) - Now on tap for a limited time - two new seasonal beers. Stop in and try their Oktoberfest or The Continental Fresh Hop Double IPA. Their Oktoberfest is a rich dark amber lager brewed with copious quantities of Munich, Vienna and Caramel malts for a big malt flavor up front, but fermented slow and cool for a crisp clean finish, and hopped with German Tettnang. The Continental Fresh Hop is about as fresh as it gets. They used four different hops grown in Colorado - almost 100 pounds of whole cone hops that were in the kettle less than 24 hours after picking (8.9% ABV). [100 Little Dam Rd, Dillon, CO]
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Catch up on Colorado Beer News from earlier this week: Monday | Tuesday

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Colorado Beer News is published on Fermentedly Challenged daily (Monday through Friday) with craft beer stories as they break from newsletters, emails and social media sites. This news is intended for audiences of legal drinking age (21+). If you'd like to subscribe to this daily by email, sign-up here. Please, always drink responsibly and use a designated driver.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Today is Jetsons Day. Back in 1962 on this day, The Jetsons premiered on ABC TV. This space age animated series was the first program on that network to be carried in color. While 52 years later we still don't have flying cars like the Jetsons did, we do manage to have a lot of push button devices that make our lives simpler. Good thing finding a good craft beer to drink is fairly simple in this state. Also, it's Bruce Springsteen's birthday today - cheers to the Boss! Here's what's happening around the Colorado beerosphere today Tuesday, September 23rd, 2014. If you aren't reading this article on FermentedlyChallenged.com, you don't know what you're missing.

Hops & Pie (Denver) - Here's an event you should keep in mind for a pre-GABF stop. On Wednesday, October 1st from 11:30am til close, Hops & Pie will host a Crooked Stave Artisans Tap Takeover. Featuring the beers from Crooked Stave, Prairie, Perennial, Almanac, Breakside, Stillwater, Evil Twin, Jester King, Westbrook, Boneyard, 10 Barrel and Oakshire. This is a tasting event not to be missed! Flights and singles available. See poster below. Meanwhile, today they've tapped: West Coast IPA from Green Flash, The Ripper from Black Bottle, Unfiltered Wheat from Boulevard, Pranqster from North Coast, Make My Day Session IPA from 4 Noses and Kvasir from Dogfish Head. Let them pour one for you! [3920 Tennyson St, Denver, CO]

Copper Kettle Brewing Co (Denver) - September Cask Month continues at CKBC on Wednesday, September 24th with a tapping of their "Tequila Sunrise Cask". They started with their Imperial Pilsner and aged it in tequila barrels. Then added fresh crushed oranges and maraschino cherries giving it a sweet twist with a hint of tequila! It taps at 2pm and will typically be drained by 10pm. [1338 S Valentia St, Ste 100, Denver, CO]River North Brewery (Denver) - [PRESS RELEASE] Right before GABF, River North is set to release its next concoction. On Saturday, September 27th at 1pm, the brewery will introduce J. Maria (Tequila Barrel Aged), their signature farmhouse ale aged in artisan tequila barrels. “I've always been skeptical of tequila barrels for aging beer,” Head Brewer Matt Hess said. “But when I had the chance to smell these barrels just after they were emptied, I knew we had to seize the opportunity.” Notes of pepper, citrus and cinnamon balance the malty backbone of classic J. Marie, creating the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. Finishing at 10.2% ABV, J. Maria holds its own. No lime or salt required. In total, the brewery bottled 135 cases. Both draft pours and bombers-to-go will be available at the release party. Bottles will cost $15 with a limit of three. More bottles will hit store shelves in Colorado and Kansas City in the weeks following the release. [2401 Blake St, Unit 1, Denver, CO]

Strange Craft Beer Co (Denver) - Strange Craft is gearing up for GABF week and will offer extended business hours from September 27th through October 4th. They've got events planned from September 29th through October 4th as well including "A Strange Cheese Incident GABF Gala" on September 29th at 6pm. Get 5 courses of beer, cheese and accoutrements for $30. Also starting September 29th they are the subject of a week long Tap Take Over at Blue Sushi Sake Grill in Denver. On September 30th they will host a Raffle for a chance to win GABF tickets. Proceeds from the raffle will be donated to charity. $5 a raffle ticket. Drawings at 6, 7 & 8pm. There will be live music in the taproom at Strange on September 26-28, and October 2-5 daily. And of course, let's not forget the special tappings - 1 daily from September 29th through October 4th: 9/29 - Barrel-aged Strange Tail, 9/30 - Fresh-Hopped 1000 Barrels Heather's Ale, 10/1 - Vanilla Rum Porter, 10/2 - GABF Firkin, 10/3 - Chain Smokin Stranger, and Choke Cherry Cream Ale, and 10/4 - Dr. StrangeLove Vertical ('12 & '13), plus a Watermelon Hefe. Plan to visit! [1330 Zuni, Unit M, Denver, CO]

Prost Brewing Co (Denver) - Oktoberfest celebrations continue today at Prost! Today they are having a 6-pack release of their Prost Pils and Prost Dunkel. All 12oz 6-packs are $9.99. Plus, you can get $2 off all Monster Biers (33.1oz) today. [2540 19th St, Denver, CO]

Falling Rock Tap House (Denver) - The ninth annual Falling Rock Fresh Hop Festival is taking place this Saturday, Sept. 27 at Falling Rock Tap House (1919 Blake Street, Denver CO 80202) from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This event is part of Denver Beer Fest. All of these beers were made with hops that were harvested 24 hours or less before the start of the brewing process. Enjoy fresh hop beers from 25+ different breweries. Tickets are $40 when purchased in advance at www.imbibe-events.com/fresh-hop. Ticket includes unlimited beer tastings and snacks while they last. Ticket price will increase at the door if available. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales benefits the Colorado Brewers Guild. [1919 Blake St, Denver, CO]

Epic Brewing (Denver) - It's baaack! Big Bad Baptist makes its return to the tap room TOMORROW - September 24th! Batch 32 will be on draft, featuring Novo Coffee and Ritual Chocolate - both of whom will be there giving away samples of their products. Specials on Baptist t-shirts and a special prize for those dressed as a Big Bad Baptist! Wednesday September 24, 6-9pm. Don't miss it! [3001 Walnut St, Denver, CO]

Parry's Pizzeria & Bar (4 Metro Locations) - Save the date for Saturday, October 11th - that's the date for "Refreshment of a Cause" - at all Parry's locations. Not too long ago Parry's paired up with Epic Brewing to provide them a beer that would be private labeled through Parry’s. The beer was to be called, Landon’s Wanna Walk Wheat. They wanted this to be a refreshing beer for a cause. So, they paired up with St. Jude Children’s Hospitals to make the sales of this beer go further for the good of children and their families. For every pint they sell of this beer, they are going to give .25¢ to St. Jude. They've been doing this since October 1st of 2013 and the last day for this round of donations is October 1st of this year. After October 1st, they'll tally everything up and then they're throwing a party. But don't fret, they'll be doing this from here on out with Landon’s Wanna Walk Wheat. Many breweries have generously donated kegs of their own beer to further their efforts in getting St. Jude the donations they need to continue doing what they do. All sales from these beers will be donated to St. Jude. Their Greenwood Village location is where the check will be presented to St. Jude’s representatives and a photo op with many of the contributors. It’s also where Epic Brewing will have their one-off firkin made especially for this event. [parryspizza.com for locations]

4 Noses Brewing Co (Broomfield) - Today there is a beer release at 4 Noses. Stop in for a pint of their Oktoberfest Marzen Lager. Enjoy one on this first full day of Fall. Also, Tony Guacamole will be on site tonight serving up tacos and guac. [8855 W 116 Cir, Broomfield, CO]

Oskar Blues Brewery (Longmont) - [PRESS RELEASE] The 2014 limited release of Oskar Blues Brewery's award-winning seasonal, Ten FIDY Imperial Stout, hits all 35 states where Oskar Blues is sold in September, inspiring dark beer lovers to go cross-eyed. This titanic, immensely viscous stout is loaded with inimitable flavors of chocolate-covered caramel and coffee and hides a hefty 65 IBUs underneath its smooth blanket of malt. Ten FIDY (10.5% ABV) is made with enormous amounts of two-row malt, chocolate malt, roasted barley, flaked oats and hops. The name of this boundary-stretching beer has multiple meanings--it is what you think, and it isn't--at the same time. The CANcupiscent seasonal, which has bulldozed beer lovers everywhere, will be available at your favorite watering holes and retailers and restaurants starting in September. Find it if you CAN. Following the successful release of Oskar Blues spring seasonal, GUBNA, the FIDY will be available until February 2015 (or until it sells out). [1800 Pike Rd, Longmont, CO]

Upslope Brewing (Boulder) - Goodbye summer, hello fall...and Pumpkin Ale! Just in time for the changing of the leaves, their highly anticipated Limited Release Pumpkin Ale is ready to start flowin'. Join in next Tuesday, September 30 at their Flatiron Park tap room for their Pumpkin Ale Release Party (5-9 pm), and be the first to try this year's batch on tap. They'll start pouring as soon as they open at 11 am, but the party kicks off at 5 pm with live music by Alex Maryol and food by Heirloom food truck. Cans hit store shelves that week, too, but you can snag your 4-pack of 16 oz cans from their tap room for $15. Come get your fill, and start the season off right! [[1898 S Flatiron Ct -or- 1501 Lee Hill Rd No. 20, Boulder, CO]

Gravity Brewing (Louisville) - This Saturday, September 27th, Gravity Brewing presents the beginning of their month-long Oktoberfest celebration. There will be plenty of German beer and food including smoked turkey legs, rotisserie chicken, German potato salad, and house made brats from Worldwide Vittles. Get $4 beers every Saturday until the end of October. They're pouring their Heisenberg-Oktoberfest Marzen and starting on October 4th also their Schwag Lager. Stop by every Saturday through October. [1150 Pine St, Unit B, Louisville, CO]

Sponsored ad from City Star Brewing - Berthoud, CO.

Northern Colorado

Snowbank Brewing Co (Ft. Collins) - Snowbank Brewing has some ome fun experimental beers they're working on for Great American Beer Festival week, and lots of food trucks lined up to feed the masses of craft beer geeks and nerds that will be venturing up to Fort Collins from Denver. Get your schedules locked in. It's going to be a busy week! From the looks of it they've got some coffee infused beers coming! [225 N Lemay Ave, Ste 1, Ft. Collins, CO]

Funkwerks (Ft. Collins) - Stop in today for "Two Stamp Tuesday". Get out your Bottle Stamp card, buy a bottle and get two stamps on your card instead of 1 for each bottle purchased. Once you get six stamps you get a bottle for FREE! There's 8 different beers in bottles at the tasting room today: Saison, Deceit, Oud Bruin, Nelson Sauvin, Remi's Rye, Motueka, Tropic King and Dahlia. [1900 E Lincoln Ave, Ft. Collins, CO]

Verboten Brewing (Loveland) - There's just two more "Bike in Tuesdays" left for the season. Bike in anytime today and get $1 off pints in the taproom all day. They are open from 1pm to 9pm. Also, Starting on Friday, Sept. 26 - BARREL AGED BEER RELEASES! They are releasing TWO barrel aged versions of their GABF Pro-Am beer at 3pm. They took Crossroads, a Scottish Wee Heavy, and put some in both a Blue Corn Bourbon Barrel and a Rye Whiskey Barrel. Try tasters of the original and two barrel versions for a special price from the 26th to October 3rd, while supplies last. Three-taster flight for $7. And from Friday the 26th through October 3rd, enter their HOMEBREWER APPRECIATION GIVEAWAY: For every barrel aged beer you purchase, they will enter you to win one of their bourbon barrels to take home. During the week they will also be offering $3 off all Verboten t-shirts, tanks, sweatshirts and hats. And... a week from today: Tuesday, Sept. 30 - a SOUR BOTTLE RELEASE!
A special 22 oz. bomber release of their fantastic Night Has Fallen, a blended barrel-aged American Sour. Bombers available starting at 1pm. Buy two bottles and take home a free logo glass. [1550 Taurus Ct, Loveland, CO]

High Hops Brewery (Windsor) - Stop in tomorrow, Wed. September 24th at 5pm, for their weekly firkin tapping. This week they have one called "Cherbocka". This beer was lagered for 6 months and is not ready in time for Oktoberfest season. It's rich, malty, and has just enough cherry flavor to make a Wookie purr. Then on Friday, they'll tap "Dr. Pat's #16". It's an IPA made with their own Crystal & Cascade hops for a unique grass aroma. As usual, food trucks nightly and live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday this week. [6461 Hwy 392, Windsor, CO]

Broken Plow Brewery (Greeley) - It's Tuesday, and that means you can get $2.00 off on all growler fills today. If you want to buy one of their awesome stainless steel growlers they'll fill it for free with the beer of your choice. [4731 W 10th St, Greeley, CO]

Southern Front Range

Smiling Toad Brewery (Colorado Springs) - Here are their brews of the week - now on tap: IPA, Blonde, Bella, Porter, City City Brown Brown, and Rocky Mountain Red Head. Get $1.00 off your first pint if you buy a gourmet sausage from Bite Me Gourmet Sausages (who will be on site today). [1757 S 8th St, Ste 100, Colo. Springs, CO]

Mountains and West

Two Rascals Brewing Co (Montrose) - If you're in the Montrose area this Thursday, September 25th, stop in for a free movie night. They'll be showing "Tattoo Nation" starting at 7pm. They'll have plenty of beer, plus $1 tacos and FREE local coffee. [147 N 1st St, Montrose, CO]

Aspen Brewing Co (Aspen) - Coming tomorrow, Wednesday, September 24th - Fresh Hop Double Conundrum Red Ale. It's a great way to spice up the first Hump Day of Fall with tastings of this premium seasonal brew. Also available in bottles. [304 E Hopkins Ave, Aspen, CO]

South Park Brewing Colorado (Fairplay) - Introducing Dudes Who Brew ‪#‎dudeswhobrew‬ on Thursday nights. Their brewmaster and assistant brewer will be manning the taps and are ready to talk all things brewing while pouring amazing beer. Try all of their new beers in this just opened brewery! [297 US Hwy 285, Fairplay, CO]
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